I have a rust free 1979 240TD Euro, no engine installed, originally with a manual transmission

Sitting on my garage floor are a complete engine and auto transmission out of a 300TD & an OM606 with a 5-speed manual fitted with a Dieselmaken injection pump.

Also on hand is a complete 300TD dash, center console and various other parts from a wagon I scavenged from a rust bucket.

My quandary is this and am looking for help/suggestions on how to proceed:

1.) Keep it a manual and install the OM606

2.) Install the turbo OM617 with the automatic

I’ve pretty much given up locating a 4 cylinder for the wagon since it would need the hydraulic pump head. More rare than hens teeth. It would likely be pretty lethargic anyway.

Or should I just sell the whole kit and kaboodle to someone with deeper pockets.

The wagon is white with black cloth interior.

The OM617 needs a complete rebuild.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Thank you in advance

Having posted twice, were you anticipating twice as many suggestions?

The 617 is the obvious choice; it is a bolt-in, and has the suspension pump drive.
The 606 was never installed in the 123; the installation is 100% custom.

If the 617 is simply worn, a freshen-up could be liners, rings, bearings, guides, touch-up of valves & seats, plus gaskets & seals.

I have the Uber-rare OM616 Euro engine with SLS head for sale. PM if interested

My error in posting twice, totally unintentional.

I have not been active on this forum for quite some time and need to relearn some things.

Sorry about that.

greazzer…..

Out on the boat right now, I’ll respond later.

WOW…. Hard to believe you’ve got what was originally fitted to this car.

Later Sir! …. and thank you for your response. 👍

I totally agree with Frank. I'd go with the bolt in and sell off what I didn't need. What year is the 606?

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I have not verified this but the seller stated it was a 1996 motor. Mileage unknown.

While it's easier to put a turbo 617 than a 606 into his car it won't be a "bolt in". He needs a 3.07 axle (I believe the 240td came with 3.69), exhaust pipe, driveshaft?, Radiator with atf cooler, different oil cooler? (A lot of euro om616 didn't have them), speedometer and a shifter for the automatic.

Also wire up the Neutral safety switch so that the reverse lights work.

Check compression on the OM617. If fine (say >350 psig all cylinders), it doesn't need a rebuild, maybe just seals and gaskets. If low (<300 psig), remove the head to see what you are dealing with. In my 1985, several pistons had damage. Once you know that, you can pick a path. You've probably found that collecting parts is easier than doing the work, though is essential. I have many half-finished car projects. The biggest time sucks are fixing rust and painting.

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1984 & 1985 CA 300D's
1964 & 65 Mopar's - Valiant, Dart, Newport
1996 & 2002 Chrysler minivans

What is needed that is not a bolt in process? If you have a complete donor car all the needed parts should unscrew.

Your list is good but might not list every item needed.

The donor car is very important to have.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

What I was trying to say is that it's not as simple as putting just the engine/tranny in but a lot of other stuff as well.

Yes a donor is good to have when changing engines but the op doesn't mention anything about a donor. Although I suppose you could get all this stuff at a pick and pull.

I’d beeline down to Greazer for the 616 engine. But if you want more power I’d spend the time and money getting the 606 squared away and in That wagon would be a beast. The purist in me still goes towards the 616. If the wagon was a beater then 606 all the way.

I found a donor/parts car and it has a 717.400 5-speed transmission.

I think this will be nice to install in the TD since it is originally a manual transmission car.

The 240TD is essentially a “Blank Canvas” as it is stripped of all mechanicals.